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Search Still Ongoing for Missing International Falls Teen

Call Authorities if You Have Any Information

BEMIDJI, Minn.- The Bemidji Police Department is still seeking the public’s help in finding a missing teen. Gary Tilander, 13, was last seen Feb. 22 at about 8:30 a.m. on the 600 block of Mississippi Avenue in Bemidji. Tilander, who is an International Falls resident, is being described as six-foot-one, and weighs 160 pounds. He has sandy blonde hair and blue eyes….

Attorney General Facing Accusations of Having Connections with Russia

Investigation Sought by Both Democrats and Republicans

Courtesy of Attorney General’s Office WebsiteWASHINGTON, D.C.-The top House Democrat says Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath when he told the Senate Judiciary that he had no contacts with the Russian government and says he should resign. “Perjury is a crime,” said Nancy Pelosi, Democratic minority leader in the House of Representatives. In the meantime, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham…

Dayton Heads for Surgery After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Cancer Was Caught Early

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Gov. Mark Dayton is undergoing surgery Thursday to treat a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. Dayton revealed his diagnosis just a day after he collapsed during his State of the State address last month. His doctors at Mayo Clinic in Rochester have said the cancer was caught early and is treatable. The Democratic governor is scheduled for surgery…

Superior Shooting Victim Speaks About Brother’s Murder

Shooting Happened Early New Year's Day Behind Third Base Bar

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New details were emerging Wednesday involving Superior’s first murder of 2017, which happened behind Third Base Bar during the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. Superior investigators say they now have identified two suspects they believe are involved in the shooting death of 21-year-old, Kyle Androsky and the shooting of his 27-year-old brother, David Androsky. But…

Duluth City Attorney Ready to Embark on Iditarod Race

Gunnar Johnson spen Wednesday getting his 20 dogs checked over before they take off on Saturday

WASILLA, Alaska – Gunnar Johnson, Duluth’s City Attorney, is set to compete in his second Iditarod starting Saturday. Today Johnson was at the race headquarters in Alaska. The 20 dogs on his team went through vet checks this afternoon and he says they’re all looking good. Now that race week is here, reality is starting to set in for Johnson.The…

Spring Is In The Air

West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens Their Doors

  Meteorologist may say that today is the start of their Spring season. The Dairy Queen in West Duluth says it’s the start of Spring for all of us. Closed for the winter the Dairy Queen on Grand Avenue in West Duluth now has their doors open. The store has been a staple in the community of west Duluth since…

Huge Toy Collection on Display at Depot

Will Run Through April 8th

DULUTH, Minn.-A massive toy collection is about to go on display at the Depot. Tomorrow Minnesotan David Barnhill will open up his collection to the public. It will feature toys focused on monsters, super heroes, and villains. Barnhill has a collection of 200,000 items – one of the largest in America. “Everyone that comes through either had it, wanted it,…

Study: Minnesota Millennials Stressed Over Health Care

Minnesotans Show Striking Generational Gap in Knowledge of Health Insurance

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to texting terms such as “LOL” or “BRB” it’s no secret millennials have no problem understanding what’s being conveyed. However, a new study released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is showing stunning statistics. The study show while nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans think managing their health is an important topic, far…

Bent Paddle Set to Release New Beer With Eastern European Inspiration

DULUTH, Minn. — Craft breweries are known to be creative with their beers from time to time, and Bent Paddle is doing just that with its new series of beers called “Valve Jockeys.” Named after the brewers that work day in and day out making the flagship beers that Duluthians currently enjoy, these beers are from the brewers themselves. Brewer…

Austin-Jarrow Celebrates 33 Years in Business

Specialty Running Store Offers 33% Off for Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – Austin-Jarrow, Duluth’s original running specialty store, is celebrating 33 years in business today. The store is marking the anniversary by offering a 33% discount on everything in stock. Austin–Jarrow owners say the sale is how they kick off running season every year, as runners start to prepare for Grandma’s Marathon and other races. “We’re just going month to…

Wild Winter Temperature Swings Have Been Damaging to Plants, Experts Say

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — We have seen some pretty dramatic temperature swings this winter, which, according to some experts, has not been good for our plants or lawns. At Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape in Hermantown, all the plants are buried under snow, which is good for the plants that need to lay dormant during the winter. Landscape Architect Trish Crego…

Duluth School Board Faces Budget Deficit

Shortfall in Budget is Actually Lower than in Previous Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District faces a budget deficit of at least a $1 million over the next two fiscal years. That was the report from district administrators at Tuesday’s School Board meeting. The numbers are still preliminary, and depend on factors like number of students enrolled in the district and the state budget. Governor Mark Dayton’s proposal…

Heart Association Fundraiser Raises Awareness

Go Red Luncheon is an Annual Event by the American Heart Association

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC’s Harborside Ballroom was decked in red Wednesday as the Duluth chapter of the American Heart Association held its annual Go Red Luncheon. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign started in 2004 and the Duluth chapter celebrates every year with their Go Red luncheon. Heart disease is the number one killer Of women…

Indoor Golf Range Open Again

The Sweet Spot Re-Opened in January Under New Management

DULUTH, Minn. – With Spring on the way, many local golfers have the itch to hit the links. The Sweet Spot, West Duluth’s indoor golf range re–opened in mid–January in a new location and with new owners who say business is booming like a Bubba Watson drive. The Sweet Spot hosted three times the golfers in February as the month…

Stearns County Farmer Drowns When Machine Breaks Through Ice

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – Stearns County authorities say a Freeport man drowned when the skid loader he was driving broke through the ice on an abandoned manure pit on his farm. The sheriff’s office says 46-year-old Duane Herzog was submerged for about 20 minutes before rescuers extricated him from the machine and pulled him from the water Tuesday afternoon….

Permit to Carry Numbers Way Up in St. Louis County

Numbers Highest They've Ever Been in Minnesota

Duluth, Minn.-Permit to carry numbers were the highest they’ve been in Minnesota since firearms permit laws were introduced in the state in 2003, according to a report released today by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. About 71,000 permits were issued in 2016. In St. Louis County, about 32,000 were issued last year, which up over 800 from 2015. “Minnesota’s Personal…

71 Rochester Students Barred from Classes Over Vaccinations

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) -Rochester school officials say 71 students were barred from classes Wednesday because they haven’t been immunized or gotten exemptions. The district said in a statement that 71 of its nearly 18,000 students failed to submit the required immunization documentation or paperwork to get an exemption by Wednesday’s deadline. It says those who reported to school weren’t allowed…

Macy’s Downtown Sells for $59 Million

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis has sold for $59 million cash, the company announced on Wednesday. The store will close this spring. The store was bought by 601W Companies, which is planning a major mixed-used redevelopment for the historic building, according to a press release. Back in January, Macy’s announced it had signed an agreement to sell the…

Wausau Man Killed by Deputy Was on Dual Paths

Man Shot Was Commencement Speaker at UW-Marathon County

CORNING, Wis.- The man fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in northern Wisconsin had been in trouble with the law, but was also the commencement speaker last spring at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County where he was heavily involved in student activities. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says 40-year-old Shawn Igers, of Wausau, was fatally shot by a deputy who…

Gov. Dayton Wants Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

Dayton Says it's a Safety Issue

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Mark Dayton is pressing lawmakers to grant driver’s licenses to immigrants living in Minnesota illegally as part of the effort to comply with stronger federal ID requirements. The Legislature has struggled for years to comply with Real ID, which will require upgraded IDs for domestic flights in January 2018. Dayton’s position adds another possible hurdle. It’s a…

Proctor Math Teacher a Semifinalist for Minnesota ‘Teacher of the Year’

Kristin Kelpo has been praised for use of technology in her classroom

PROCTOR, Minn. – A seventh grade Proctor math teacher is one step closer to becoming  Minnesota’s next Teacher of the Year. Kristen Kilpo has taught at Proctor for 7 years and is one of 37 semifinalists up for the award. She has received praise from her colleagues for her use of technology in the classroom and a new method she…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Blood Can Be Taken from Unconscious Drivers

Ruling Came Down Today

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement officers can take blood samples from unconscious drivers without a warrant under certain circumstances. The court ruled Wednesday that an officer can be justified in taking a blood sample without a warrant when delaying would lead to the destruction of evidence, namely falling levels of alcohol in the drunken driver’s…

Animal Answers: Honey Bear Heads Home

The 9-Year-Old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix Spent Nearly Seven Months at Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn. – You might recall hearing about a certain dog featured as Pet of The Week on FOX 21 Local News over many months. After a long journey from the streets, to the shelter, Honey Bear is home. “He’s a big love bug, he’s honey, but he’s also a bear,” said Josh Klimek. “I kind of fell in love…

Virginia Police Investigate Assault Incident

Originally Reported as Shooting

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Reports of a shooting in Virginia a little after midnight Wednesday, turned out not to be true. Multiple police agencies responded to a call of gun shots at 1000 Bourgin Road, but when they got there, it was discovered that two males had been involved in a physical altercation – no firearms were involved. One of the men is…

Business is Booming at Local Bait Shops

A Mid-Winter Warmup Has Not Impacted Ice Fishing, According to Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning the recent mid-winter warm-up has not impacted business at local bait shops in the Northland. Store owners at Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle, and Fisherman’s Corner tell FOX 21 it’s been the best year for ice fishing business in the past five years. It’s a passion for many, only Mother Nature can deny. “Once you’re into…

New Cloquet Middle School Taking Shape

School Officials Give Tour of New Building, Expected to Open By Next School Year

CLOQUET, Minn. – The new Cloquet Middle School is expected to open for students in September. Now that the building is starting to come together, school officials gave us a special look inside. Cloquet is getting its first new middle school in more than a hundred years. “We’re moving into a facility that will handle our technology a lot better,…

Finland Turns 100

Sledding Was Part Of Their Celebration

Duluth, Minn The snow arrived just in time tonight. Sledding was in the forecast for the Finnish community tonight as the small country of Finland is celebrating their centennial birthday. The group of Finnish Americans that live in Duluth celebrated in their countries honor at the snow flake ski resort with some fun and games. They say it’s a big…

Roads Turn To Ice As Storm Rolls Through

Hillside Crashes Were All Common As Drivers Tried To Make It Home

Duluth, Minn The roads were ugly tonight. Making travel difficult for many in the Twin Ports. It wasn’t very good. It only took a few blocks to see several accidents and multiple cars unable to gain traction to make it up the hill. One Duluth driver said that this has been the worst he’s seen all winter. “These road conditions…

Lincoln Park Neighborhood Being Evaluated for Historic Designation

The cities' Heritage Preservation Committee has been working with consultants to evaluate buildings along Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park neighborhood on Duluth’s west side may receive some historic designation later this year. The cities’ Heritage Preservation Committee has been working with consultants to evaluate buildings along Superior Street in that area. Today, an architectural historian presented some initial recommendations to the committee. Some of the locations being considered for historical designation include the…

IRRRB to Privatize Skiing Operations

Much of Facility Already Privately Run

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A private management firm will take over skiing operations at Giants Ridge. The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board approved that plan on a 5-4 vote today in St. Paul. Much of the Biwabik resort is already privatized, including the golf course. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips believes some employees will now take an early retirement option. Giants Ridge…

St. Luke’s Holds Fundraiser Accessory Sale

Most Items Are $6 Or Less, and Proceeds Go to Making Patients More Comfortable During Their Stay

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking for a good deal on jewelry or some fashion accessories, then St. Luke’s is where you need to go. Your sales will help patients. St. Luke’s volunteer service guild is currently hosting a fundraiser in the hospital’s lobby. You can find all kinds of fashion trends like purses, scarves, earrings, and necklaces. It’s for…

Community Groups Team Up to Squash Hunger

35th Minnesota Food Share Runs Through March

DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th Minnesota Food Share kicks off March 1st, the start of a big month for CHUM. While donations are accepted and encouraged year round, the March Food Share is one of CHUM’s most important drives. And even more important than food, is money. With cash donations, CHUM has access to food sources only available to charitable…

Lake Superior College Celebrates Mardi Gras

Student Life Organization Held a Party in the Hallways

DULUTH, Minn. – Fat Tuesday celebrations found their way to Lake Superior College. LSC’s Student Life organization sponsored a Mardi Gras party on-campus Tuesday. The traditional festive sounds of New Orleans Jazz music filled the hallways, as students donned masks and played games. “People have had a really good time,” said Julia Summer of LSC Student Life.  “We’re giving out…

Students Test Toothpick Bridges

Competition at UMD was the 24th Annual

DULUTH, Minn. – High school students from across the Northland gathered at the University of Minnesota Duluth Tuesday for the 24th annual Toothpick Bridge Competition. The contest, hosted by UMD’s Civil Engineering department, challenged kids to build the strongest and most economical bridge possible, using only toothpicks and glue. “The kids love it,” said John Hinsman, one of the competition…

New Apartment Complex Closer to Being Built

Duluth City Council Approves a Tax Abatement for the Proposed 80-Unit Development

DULUTH, Minn. – A proposed 80-unit apartment complex took a step closer to being built last night. The Duluth City Council approved a $278,000 tax abatement for the development. The proposed Capstone Apartment Complex is located off of Matterhorn Drive, west of Burning Tree Road. It is part of the project that began with the construction of the Village at Matterhorn…

STEM Day at Lowell Elementary

St. Scholastica Students Helped Kids Learn About Science

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Duluth’s Lowell Elementary School had a hands–on day of science Tuesday. About a hundred students from the College of St. Scholastica brought a variety of experiments for the youngsters to try. The goal of STEM day at Lowell was to get more kids interested in science and related fields. “It is so much fun,” said…

Amazon Server Failure Causing Website Errors and Outages

Noticing a slow down with your internet? Web pages not loading? Photos or videos not loading? Apps on your phone not working? As you can see with our website, we’re experiencing it here at FOX 21 too. Amazon’s S3 web-based storage service is experience widespread issues, which is affecting services across the globe, causing errors in websites, apps, and devices…

Budget Surplus Expected to be $1.65 Billion

About $250 Million More than Expected

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s projected budget surplus has grown to more than $1.65 billion. State budget officials released the updated figures Tuesday. Lawmakers had previously been expecting a $1.4 billion budget surplus. The revised estimate kicks off the Legislature’s budget-setting process at the Capitol this year. They’ll need to approve a new budget before adjourning in late May. But there have…

Bush Promotes New Book, Reflects on Painting and the Press

  NEW YORK (AP) – Former President George W. Bush says he didn’t intend to criticize President Donald Trump when he recently said that a free press is essential to democracy. Speaking by telephone Tuesday with The Associated Press, Bush said he was simply responding to a reporter’s question about the role of journalism. Trump has referred to the press…

Peterson to Become Free Agent

Peterson Was Due to Make $18 Million in 2017

Courtesy of NFL.comMINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-Adrian Peterson, Minnesota’s all-time leading rusher, will be an unrestricted free agent when the market opens next week. As expected, the Vikings declined to exercise their option for next season on Peterson’s contract. Peterson was scheduled to make $18 million in 2017, what would have been an unwieldly hit to their salary cap. General manager Rick Spielman…

Target Rattles Wall Street with Weak Quarter

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Target Corp. on Tuesday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $817 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $1.45 per share. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 10 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.50 per share. The retailer posted revenue of $20.69…

Legal Bills Disputed in Ongoing Defamation Case in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and the estate of “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle are fighting over legal bills that mounted during Ventura’s defamation lawsuit. The Star Tribune reports the attorneys for Kyle’s widow say Ventura lost his lawsuit and should reimburse the estate more than $37,300, plus a few other expenses. Ventura’s lawyer says the…

Grand Portage Lodge Gets Makeover

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Finished with Phase Two Renovations

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – One popular place along the North Shore is now prepared for played to try their luck once again. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is undergoing a three-phase project, opening a fresh chapter for its guests. It’s a popular place for thousands of visitors each year, no matter what season it is. Now, visitors will have…